Warpaint layers for character customization

[LadyWYT]

I'm not sure how feasible this would be to code, but it would be cool to have a few layer options for specific parts of the player model so that players can draw warpaint, tattoos, and scars for their character rather than choosing from a list of presets. The interface could be something as follows:

Warpaint

- Face

- Body

- Left Arm

- Right Arm

- Left Leg

- Right Leg

Selecting one of the above options would bring up a template the player could draw on, with brush settings for size and transparency, a handful of color presets, a color wheel to get a specific color, an option to save a specific color as a preset, a dropper tool to copy an existing color, an option to save a finished design as a preset for use in future playthroughs, and a preview model so the player can see how the design looks before committing to it. The template could also remove the pixels that will be covered by other parts(such as eyes or limb attachment points), or otherwise outline the parts where the design will be hidden, so that players will have a better idea of where to draw and where not to draw.

To allow the player to modify these designs in the world, they could visit the friendly local barber-surgeon, or there could perhaps be some of basic "cosmetic kit" they could use to modify these layers at will.

[Perdido Street]

This seems like a good middle ground for "custom" player skins. Even if what people make their Seraph look like doesn't totally 'fit in' with the setting, the way that appearance gets implemented is still grounded enough to feel reasonable (the same way that we can build anything, but still have to put in the work for materials to do it).

Edited June 18 by Perdido Street

[LadyWYT]

23 minutes ago, Perdido Street said:

This seems like a good middle ground for "custom" player skins. Even if what people make their Seraph look like doesn't totally 'fit in' with the setting, the way that appearance gets implemented is still grounded enough to feel reasonable (the same way that we can build anything, but still have to put in the work for materials to do it).

Pretty much. I assume that the code for such could also be tweaked and used for other things, like weaving custom tapestries or painting designs on pottery. Or vice versa. 

[Cedric the Silent]

Nice idea, is there any specific styles of war paint or tattoo designs you would recommend to them? Maybe tattoos of things like the Blackguard tower symbol or a temporal gear.

[Facethief]

I feel like this would definitely improve the rough complexion of the seraphs!

I feel like the only issue with this is that some people would do unsavory things with it, but some kind of report/block body paint feature could easily avoid the issue… I think.

[LadyWYT]

1 hour ago, Cedric the Silent said:

Nice idea, is there any specific styles of war paint or tattoo designs you would recommend to them? Maybe tattoos of things like the Blackguard tower symbol or a temporal gear.

Nope! The idea is for the player to doodle their own designs, rather than choose from presets. So the only real limit is the player's imagination. That being said, for players looking for inspiration, gear or Blackguard insignia would probably be good example ideas, as would the villagers and certain traders since some of them have tattoos/warpaint. Malefactors might have chosen to tattoo successful mission tallies onto their skin as well as painting the marks onto their masks. Rougher characters might have a few battlescars.

 

27 minutes ago, Facethief said:

I feel like the only issue with this is that some people would do unsavory things with it, but some kind of report/block body paint feature could easily avoid the issue… I think.

Some players would definitely abuse the system, but I don't think there's really any way to prevent players from drawing rude/unsavory things on themselves, aside from sticking to a list of preset options. Which presets aren't the same as drawing your own designs. Ultimately, I think it's fine to give the players the freedom in this case, and let server moderators handle reports, since different servers will have different tolerances on what they do and don't allow. It's very similar to the chisel and building system in that regard--no real way to stop players from building rude sculptures or writing profanity on signs, save for censoring code that can be more intrusive than helpful.